Law enforcement officers will be cracking down on distracted drivers as part of a new national distracted driving enforcement campaign.
From April 1-21, the high-visibility law enforcement “UDrive. UText. UPay.” initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous behaviors such as talking on handheld cell phones and sending text messages while driving.
“Distracted driving is a serious issue on our roadways,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014 alone, 3,179 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 431,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.”
Despite the fact that using a handheld phone or texting while driving is illegal in New Jersey, the practice appears to be widespread, according to a statement prepared by Poedubicky’s office.
In a recent survey conducted by the Fairleigh Dickinson University Public Mind Poll for the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, 67 percent of respondents said they “very often” see people driving and talking on a cell phone, while 42 percent of respondents said they “very often” see drivers texting.
April has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Safety Council.